Johnny’s List of Quirky Boston Events: 12/30/05


The big event of the week is
First Night Boston, which is one of the big regional events similar to the Boston Pops 4th of July Fireworks, the Boston Marathon, and the Big E. It all happens around Back Bay, with about 40 different venues. Buy a single ticket and then choose from a wide program of music, dance, and comedy performance, and parties. I don’t want to hear any whining about how it’s too cold! It’s supposed to be a warm night and if you don’t do First Night this year you’ll really be missing out.
Also it might be a good time to check out an Arcade Hall. I suggest
Felt, which has everything. Boston, MA. 533 Washington St. (617) 350-5555. “Best of Boston”, or

Flat Top Johnny’s, which is in Kendall Square Cambridge, all they have is pool, but it’s a good place to not have to wait too long for a pool table. Cambridge. 1 Kendall Square. Billarids & bar. M-F 12-1am, SS 3pm-1am. 617-494-9565.

King’s is supposed to be good, but I haven’t been there. Boston, MA. 10 Scotia St. “Best of Boston”. (617) 266-2695.

My favorite for a date location would be
The Rack. They have pool tables, enough for everyone if you wait 5 minutes, and a dance floor and a bar. The dance music isn’t too loud so you can have a real conversation which is a BIG improvement over most nightclubs. Boston, MA. 24 Clinton St. 617-725-1051. Daily 11:30-2am. Restaurant to 10pm. DJ dance 9pm-2am.

I haven’t been, but am looking forward to trying
Lazer Zone, which is an indoor laser tag place. Marlborough, MA. 416 Boston Post Road East. (508) 303-9900. T-R 10:30-9, FS 10-12, Sun 10-9 except July-Aug 12-6.
Finally, you really need to check out
Good Time Emporium, New England’s largest indoor arcade. Somerville. 30 Assembly Square Drive. 617.628.5559. They have laser tag, race cars, bumper cars, video machines of all sizes, pool tables, the works. And it’s right next to the Assembly Square movie theater.

Also, the Starland Sports & Fun Park is open year round, it’s basically the only real amusement park open year-round. Hanover, MA. 645 Washington St. 781-826-3083. Year round. Minigolf, go carts, climbing walls, laser tag. Outdoor activities are closed for the winter, so basically laser tag and arcade for the winter.